Water represents adaptability and empathy. A rule book must not be rigid. It must be responsive.
Ask:
Is there a defined exception mechanism?
Is empathy built into policy?
Is there a structured review and revision system?
Harmony requires elasticity, not rigidity.
Your rule book must be a living document. Review frequency depends on market volatility, digital dependency, regulatory exposure and your business environment:
🚀 Highly competitive / volatile markets (for example - EdTech / SkillTech / Coaching platforms / Entertainment / Creator economy / OTT / Events /Mobile apps / SaaS / Consumer tech
→ Review policies monthly
📈 Moderately dynamic industries (For example - travel, hospitality, transportation)
→ Review quarterly
🏛 Stable industries (For example - FMCG, Power Supply, Steel etc)
→ Bi-annual reviews may be sufficient
Markets change. Customer expectations evolve. Regulations shift. And your rules should evolve and upgrade, else they are obsolete and lead to failure & source of conflict.
Flexibility must be formal, not emotional.
Define:
Who can approve exceptions
Under what conditions
How it is documented
Whether it sets precedent
Unrecorded exceptions become future disputes. Water absorbs friction before cracks appear.
Strong organizations are not built on constant agreement —
they are built on structured clarity.
If you would like to review or redesign your startup’s rule book, communication systems, or governance architecture, we would be glad to assist.
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